I wear multifocals, with quite large lenses, not fashionable, and they work very well for distance, viewing the instruments, and for looking at maps. Before I got the m'focals I tried bifocals but the transition line at the top of the reading zone seemed to always be in the way of where I wanted to look, drove me mad. A couple of years ago at home the lens in the right side of my glasses (my better eye) just popped out without warning. The screws holding it in had got loose. I thought, thank god that didn't happen on short final. I now always have a spare pair close at hand in the cockpit. So I can see the rationale behind having two pairs. it's not an issue $$-wise because I get a new pair every couple of years on my health insurance so I have quite a few old pairs lying around.

Interesting observation Cattletruck. Many years ago in my forties I noticed that my distant vision was beginning to degrade. I was spending a lot of time in front of the computer and I guess I was straining my eyes without realizing it. I eventually went for an eye test and was given a prescription for bifocals. At my annual medical the doc confirmed that I was only just passing the distant vision requirement. The distant correction was quite weak and consequently I rarely used the bifocals but I did buy some cheap reading glasses. I then always used the reading glasses when in front of the computer and of course for reading. At my next annual the doc was quite surprised when he found my distant vision had improved considerably. Obviously, straining to read had started to permanently deform my eye lenses and it wasn't until they were able to relax that my distant vision returned. Of course that was many years ago and I now need glasses for both near and distant. I use bifocals but that's just my preference.

I believe that a change of glasses during the eye test is forbidden and you have to pass the whole thing on one pair.

Claret
Thats interesting, my DAME couldn't tell me although he did say that from now on I need to present my spec's for the medical. Last week I asked the question at a line check and the check captain said one of each covers it. Not sure if there is anything in writing that specifically covers it so I guess we can take it as read, two set of glasses with corrective lenses.

The DAME sent an email to CASA medical asking the question, should get an answer by 2025 I would think.

SN

Precisely what I was advised today for my medical renewal coming up soon.

Its appears the JAR medical requires two pairs of un-tinted glasses, I can't find find anything in our reg's although I must admit it proved to be an excellent sleeping tablet last night and I only looked for about 5 minutes.

SN

I know one shouldn't talk common sense with regard to rules 'n regs, but.

I'd be stunned if one was ramp checked and when asked to present two pairs of specs, that a tinted pair and non tinted pair would cover one's derriere.

From a practical point of view, these boards are full of criticism of folk who are deemed to do something foolhardy, or lacking in airmanship. I can just HEAR the howls of criticism if Bloggs (not Capn) was to bust his glasses during a STAR say, then go on to cock up the ensuing landing because in the pitch black, Bloggs couldn't see properly whilst wearing his Serengetis. :D:D:D:D

There are a number of virtual glasses apps available for iPhone and android which could be useful in a pinch. Basically hold the camera over the text and read at your desired level of magnification on the screen.

Precision Eye Care - Richard G. Davis, MD develops iRead Smart Phone Application

Not quite so useful if the problem is properly identifying the PAPI/VASIS, or if one's not got autoland in howling crosswind - phone in one hand, and what'll I grab throttles or control column?

So, if we are now REQUIRED to have a second pair then surely we can now claim the second pair as a tax deduction. Bugger it, I'm going to claim...

ACMS
I share your frustration. There has been a specific tax office ruling on this. Basically says pilots cannot deduct the cost of prescription glasses. You can however claim an infinite amount of sunglasses it seems. I can understand the first pair not being deductible but it's a licensing requirement that we carry the second pair.

SN.

I prefer Zalto Denk'Art glasses myself, the red smells, looks, and feels better in them. Always carry a backup or three in case of breakage.

I'm 42 and recently underwent my CASA class 1 medical. Passed with flying colours apart from my eye test which was just short of 6/9. Is this the end? Are there ground for an AAT Application?

Get some specs/see your friendly ophthalmologist. You have to be 6/6 in at least one eye, 6/9 in the other, and 6/6 with both eyes open. Plenty of exploring to do before the AAT...

FAA Distant Vision Requirements
 

Thanks for the Tip on Bifocals
I assume HBF is a local Australian name?
I'm in Canada where Costco is the name of the game.
At my last two FAA medicals I've struggled with the 20 ft Distant vision test for 20/20
where one eye has deteriorated distant vision that now just passes 20/20 but it has been more difficult on the last test
and I need to assume that I will need glasses for distance in the future.

I just wear readers for close up vision. There are some minor differences between the left and right eye
that prescription would assist.
I mainly need to some glasses to ensure that I can pass the distant vision requirements in the future.
Any direction as to glasses for this purpose would be appreciated.

When it comes to bifocals, do some homework. I have a "low cut" for the reading part of mine. I can see out the window and read the instruments OK so I moved the top of the bifocal reading part down a couple of mm. It takes a few minutes to become accustomed to physically looking down with eyes only to read the charts clipped to the yoke and deck logs etc but very quickly it normalises.

When I needed reading glasses in the cockpit I went the progressive way. Like all options there are compromises but they work best for me.